The Westminster Confession of Faith

Westminster Assembly

Produced by the Westminster Assembly for the great Parliament, this time-honored treasure of the faith bears striking resemblance to the Irish Articles, but is far abler, fuller, and superior to any of its predecessors, and gives proof that the Assembly was steadily dominated by its aim to state nothing therein which is not expressly taught in the Word of God, or derivable therefrom by good and necessary reference.

Section 8

8. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament; yet, they receive not the thing signified thereby; but, by their unworthy coming thereunto, are guilty of the body of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore, all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with Him, so are they unworthy of the Lord’s table; and cannot, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, (1 Cor. 11:27–29, 2 Cor. 6:14,16) or be admitted thereunto. (1 Cor. 5:6–7,13, 2 Thess. 3:6,14–15, Matt. 7:6)